Unfired clay masonry: An introduction to low-impact building materials
BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.
Unfired clay masonry: An introduction to low-impact building materials, was written by A Sutton, D Black and P Walker and published by BRE on 18 October 2011.
It is one of a series of five information papers and case studies about low-impact building materials, which also cover; hemp lime, straw bale, cross-laminated timber and natural fibre insulation.
In comparison with some alternative construction products, unfired clay masonry is relatively low-impact, and it has one of the longest histories of use of any building material. It is relatively robust, fire-resistant, has high thermal mass and has the capacity to moderate internal humidity levels. However, unless stabilised, it is not resistant to prolonged water exposure and so it normally requires protection from rain.
This 6-page information paper provides an overview of the pros and cons of non-loadbearing unfired clay brick and block. It is intended for those considering the use of this material on construction projects.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Adobe.
- Arup and Better Shelter at the Working Together For Disaster Relief conference.
- Blockwork.
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz.
- Brick.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Clay.
- Cob building.
- Cross-laminated timber.
- Defects in brickwork
- Defects in stonework.
- Earth building.
- Earthen construction.
- Green building.
- Hempcrete.
- Masonry.
- Parapet.
- Practical Building Conservation: Earth, Brick and Terracotta.
- Straw bale construction.
- Terracotta.
Featured articles and news
Exchange for Change for UK deposit return scheme
The UK Deposit Management Organisation established to deliver Deposit Return Scheme unveils trading name.
A guide to integrating heat pumps
As the Future Homes Standard approaches Future Homes Hub publishes hints and tips for Architects and Architectural Technologists.
BSR as a standalone body; statements, key roles, context
Statements from key figures in key and changing roles.
ECA launches Welsh Election Manifesto
ECA calls on political parties 100 day milestone to the Senedd elections.
Resident engagement as the key to successful retrofits
Retrofit is about people, not just buildings, from early starts to beyond handover.
Plastic, recycling and its symbol
Student competition winning, M.C.Esher inspired Möbius strip design symbolising continuity within a finite entity.
Do you take the lead in a circular construction economy?
Help us develop and expand this wiki as a resource for academia and industry alike.
Warm Homes Plan Workforce Taskforce
Risks of undermining UK’s energy transition due to lack of electrotechnical industry representation, says ECA.
Cost Optimal Domestic Electrification CODE
Modelling retrofits only on costs that directly impact the consumer: upfront cost of equipment, energy costs and maintenance costs.
The Warm Homes Plan details released
What's new and what is not, with industry reactions.
Could AI and VR cause an increase the value of heritage?
The Orange book: 2026 Amendment 4 to BS 7671:2018
ECA welcomes IET and BSI content sign off.
How neural technologies could transform the design future
Enhancing legacy parametric engines, offering novel ways to explore solutions and generate geometry.
Key AI related terms to be aware of
With explanations from the UK government and other bodies.
From QS to further education teacher
Applying real world skills with the next generation.